From January 8–11, 2026, the Zeta Upsilon Chapter made history with its first-ever pilgrimage to Lexington, Virginia—the birthplace of Sigma Nu. Fifty-six collegiate brothers and six alumni, most traveling from Arizona, journeyed to visit Sigma Nu Fraternity Headquarters and the site of the Fraternity’s founding at the Virginia Military Institute.
Several early arrivals remained in Lexington following the 2026 College of Chapters, taking part in unique experiences that deepened their appreciation for Sigma Nu’s legacy. The group toured Kappa Alpha Order Headquarters and spent time in the Dick Fletcher Memorial Honor Library, poring over archival photographs, decades-old issues of The Delta, and Grand Chapter records. For many, the library became a place of reflection—tracing Zeta Upsilon’s lineage back to its 1955 founding and honoring alumni leaders such as John Thoren, Pete Faggella, Al Olsen, and Dan Rodriguez.
The majority of participants arrived Thursday evening, where Regent Steve Ratterman (Indiana) opened the experience with a welcome charge, reminding the chapter of the rare privilege to walk in the footsteps of founders and past leaders. Executive Director Brad Beacham (Texas Christian) followed with a powerful presentation on the meaning and purpose of ritual, during which brothers examined original ritual documents and reviewed initiation receipts from Zeta Upsilon’s founding members.
Friday featured a full slate of educational programming at Headquarters, including sessions on Organizational Development and Service Leadership, The Value of Evaluation and Research, and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The chapter also toured the Virginia Military Institute campus, visiting the Post Museum, Parade Grounds, Memorial Hall, and the room of Founder James Frank Hopkins—guided by Grand Historian Col. Keith Gibson (Georgia), Executive Director of the VMI Museum System.
Saturday reinforced the call to action. Grand Treasurer David Glassman (Eastern Michigan) offered reflections before the chapter engaged in sessions on resiliency and strategic planning, conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis focused on governance, recruitment, and campus leadership.
The pilgrimage concluded with an emotional ceremony in the Alpha Room, where brothers stood shoulder to shoulder with alumni and staff to recite their fraternal vows—renewed in the very place where Sigma Nu began.
Interested in planning your own pilgrimage to Lexington—or organizing one for your chapter? Visit sigmanu.org/visithq to learn more about scheduling your visit to Sigma Nu Headquarters and the birthplace of the Legion of Honor.
